So at work today, the discussion of household heating and gas/electricity bills came up (entering winter Down Under), and I commented that we have our central heating set to 14 Celsius (approx 57 Freedoms) overnight, and off during the day/evening. We find that 14 is quite comfortable under a fluffy doona/duvet. I was warmly mocked (well natured), and informed that something closer to 24C (75F) is appropriate, day and night.
Surely not… right?
In the winter, I’ll accept 23C anything colder and I catch a cold.
I think we would have to set fire to our curtains to sustain 23C in here… that’s crazy talk! Y’all run around in socks and underpants? lol
Even at 23C I still need to wear a sweater, at least 2 layers of pants, double socks, a beanie, and I always have a blanket wrapped around me along with a mini space heater directed at my feet. The only reason it’s not hotter is due to the person I live with.
That’s not how colds work. Cold weather can reduce the immune system, but it doesn’t cause colds. You still need to be exposed to a virus to catch a cold. Also, it’s not like colder weather guarantees your body can’t fight off a cold.
It’s much easier (and cheaper) to heat a small space (a person wearing a sweater) versus heating an entire room.
Tell that to my body. From my own personal experience when the temperature drops below 23C I get a cold, simple as that and temperature has been the only fluctuating variable. So while the cold may not be the direct cause it’s a big enough influence for me that I’d rather not take my chances.